Inherent Instinct (In Another Life Part Five)

Chapter Five

“What,” Elayn said through gritted teeth, breaking the silence that followed after such a grim story. “Does that have to do with anything?”

“We were discussing wolves, were we not?” The old man sniffed. “It's not my fault if you didn't appreciate it.”

Appreciate it? How had this old coot managed to tell a hair-raising tale that was so close to the troubles currently facing her? If he wasn't old she would fight him just to return the strain.

The old man looked at her face, then on ahead at the road. “Ah, you didn't appreciate it.”

“I might have liked it more if it didn't end so poorly,” she said, after thinking about it for a moment. “What about the old man? How did he do that? I get why, but not how.”

The old man's eyes twinkled. “There's many mysteries in this world, you'll just have to settle for that being one of them.”

She grunted. Useful.

From here Elayn could hear the sound of the town the werewolves had been plaguing. “I'll leave you here,” she told him. “You should be safe.”

“Child, I appreciate your worry, but let me assure you it is misplaced.” He laughed and started toward the town. A noise in the bushes distracted Elayn for a moment, and when she looked back, there was no trace of him but the faint smell of ozone.

—————

When Elayn came back, it woke Serana, and she was alert and standing out of reach of the sun with her arms crossed when her werewolf jumped into the cave.

She was angry with Elayn for running off like she had, when she knew these woods were full of danger even in daylight. And she was angry that instead of staying and letting her help, Elayn had just run.

But mostly she was relieved to see her unharmed. And when she revealed in her hands the body of a rabbit she had caught, Serana couldn't help letting a wave of love through their bond, washing away her anger. When Elayn handed her the rabbit, Serana cast it aside and pulled her close for a desperate kiss. They parted sooner than she would have liked, and only because of their company.

Said company was lounging against the wall with his arms behind his back and a smirk on his face. “Please, don't mind me.”

“Charming,” she said, arching her brow, and he had the decency to look chastened.

When she looked back to Elayn, her werewolf's shoulders were less tense than when she had left, which seemed like a good sign. “I had an idea on my way back,” she said. “Serana, do you think you could make a poison from the plants around here?”

Serana blinked. “Well, yes, I suppose I could. But do you think the Monster would even be felled by poison?”

“We've got to try, don't we?”

She had to concede that. “I'll go looking tonight.”

“Not without me,” Elayn said, both fast and firm.

Serana pinned her with a look. “So it's alright for you to run around in the forest, but I'm completely defenseless.”

“Er…” Elayn looked to Salem.

Don't think I'm going to save you here.

“Bastard,” she muttered, then looked back to Serana, eyes wide. “Look, werewolves are supposed to be reckless and take care of their mates. Let me be me.”

She couldn't keep a smile from pulling at her lips. “Fine, in this situation, I can't blame you.”

I should be able to help you search, and I might serve as some protection in case the wolves find you. Salem licked a paw and drew it over their ear.